How will the extended state of calamity impact the country’s economy, international reputation, and relationship with the region?

Asia Society Australia warmly invites you to a private briefing with H.E. Steve Robinson AO, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines in conversation with Michele Ford, Director of the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre. While the Philippines has been in various states of lockdown since March, the country is still struggling to contain the outbreak and has now the highest number of cases in Southeast Asia. It has entered a recession and protests against unemployment, food shortages and mismanagement of the pandemic are increasing. Facing criticism for downplaying the threat of the virus, President Duterte has extended the state of calamity in the country by a year, allowing his government to access emergency funds more quickly but also permitting him to call on the military to maintain order and crackdown on dissent.

Join us as we discuss how the Philippines have reacted to COVID-19 and how the virus is impacting the country’s economy, political stability, and business sector now and in the future.

Date: Thursday 29 October 2020
Time: 3 - 3:45 p.m. AEDT

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